Hello everyone.
Things will start to slow down after the next few chapters but until then enjoy!
Authors note at the bottom don't skip it. Thank you for making it this far!
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
I woke up with a groan. My body felt sluggish as I opened my eyes and examined my surroundings.
The first thing I noticed was that a campfire crackled near me, then I saw a shape moving towards me. It reached down as soon as I sat up to support me.
"Careful, careful. Hey, your friend is waking up!" I heard an unfamiliar voice say.
"Roran! How do you feel?"
"Like hammered dog shit." I responded to Vanir's familiar voice.
Suddenly the world seemed to sharpen and I could concentrate. There was a fire over the entire left side of my chest. The poison. I realized.
Ignoring the two talking to me I reached my mind out to my necklace and muttered the diagnostic spell again. Fuck I forgot to extract the poison before I healed everything. It was spreading, slowly. It wasn't the seithr oil I thought it was, otherwise I would be dead already.
Focusing myself on what I needed to accomplish I whispered. "Heill." and set about guiding my cells to carry every last drop of the poison out of the wound and onto the soil. Then continuing the magic, I set about healing the damage it caused. About ten seconds later my shoulder closed and a red scar the shape of an 'X' took its place.
"That was foolish of you." Vanir said to me as he handed me a skin of water, which I downed in record time.
"It worked didn't it?" I said as I stood up and refreshed my body with energy from my emerald.
As I looked around I could see everyone else was sleeping besides Shadowcat and the stranger who approached me earlier. She jumped up and was rubbing her side down my leg and purring obviously distraught at my injuries.
"Is everyone alright?" I asked Vanir as I stared at the stranger.
"Yes. Arya, Faolin, and Eragon are the only ones who didn't get injured. They just got back from hunting the urgals who ran away after the fight, that is why they are resting." He said.
I broke my stare down with the stranger and reacted to that statement and looked him up and down. Eventually my eyes found his face and I saw the injury. A thin red line ran from above his right eyebrow, skipped his eye, and continued another inch into his cheek. Luckily he still had his eye.
"It was an uppercut I didn't expect, luckily I reacted and it only grazed me. I think it looks good, don't you?" He finished jokingly.
"Oh yes I'm sure the female elves will swoon over such a rugged warrior." I said as we laughed.
"How is Brom?" I asked.
"A slight fracture in his arm, already healed. A kick from a kull he blocked." He answered.
"Good. Saphira?" I asked as I looked over the blue mass snoring off to the side, no doubt covering Eragon with her wing.
"Scratches and tears in her wings, she has been healed also."
I nodded in confirmation. "And you? What is your name?" I asked the stranger who was sitting quietly by the fire listening to us. I had a sneaking suspicion who it was.
"Murtagh." The grey eyed stranger said confirming my suspicions.
"Was it you who shot those two urgals when they caught me off guard?" I asked genuinely curious.
"I shot one, the rider shot the other." He answered.
"I owe you a debt son of Morzan."
He stood up quickly with a hand on his sword. "That man is not my father!"
"Peace, I meant no offense." I said with my hands up.
He took his hand off of the sword when he realized that none of us cared who his father was and sat back down facing the fire. I decided to join him. "What are you?" He responded looking me up and down.
"I don't understand…" I responded honestly.
"You ripped the head off of a Ra'zac, you were poisoned by one of the most deadly poisons known and you're perfectly fine six hours later...are you half-elf?"
"I snapped its neck, there is a difference." I told him.
"No Roran, you ripped it off." Vanir chipped in as he laid down for bed.
I do not remember that, then again I was a little preoccupied with trying to survive and a poison was running rampant in my body…
"I am a human, I have just been...enhanced." I responded digesting the information.
We sat in silence for a long time. "Why were you here?" I asked him.
"I was hunting them, they killed my father." He answered.
I decided not to call him out on the half-lie. "We have a lot in common then. What will you do now?"
"I don't know."
"Good. You'll join our party. We head to the Varden, there is a battle coming and we could use your help." I said standing up and going over to my bed roll.
"I cannot go to the Varden, they'll kill me immediately." He said.
I pointed to Brom. "That is one of the founders of the Varden and bane of the thirteen, your biological fathers killer. And you just saved his nephew's life, they will not kill you because we will not allow it." I said rolling over.
He didn't respond, nor did he leave. I took that as a good sign.
Goodnight. I told Shadowcat as she curled up to me and laid down.
I was not the first to wake. "Good, you're still here." I said spying the Black haired Murtagh.
"Only until a better option presents itself." He responded.
I nodded knowing he wouldn't find anything better but deciding to keep it to myself. Instead I muttered the incantation to clean myself and my clothes and went about making breakfast for everyone.
An hour later we were on the road and riding hard. Deciding Brom and I needed to talk I reached my mind out to his.
Have you figured out who he is yet? I asked curiously.
I knew the moment I set my eyes on him.
I have invited him to come with us to the Varden, I owe him a debt. He is important for Eragon's growth. I said and decided to add the last part to make sure he understood his importance.
He didn't respond.
We reached the Beor Mountains in a week, and it was a week of hard riding. They truly were massive, bigger than anything I had seen so far in either of my lives.
It was another two weeks before we reached the lake and waterfall that hid the entrance to the dwarven city. We didn't see any signs of urgals along the way so I was hoping we weren't too late.
Brom was the one to knock and yell out the password.
Soon enough, archers appeared along the sides of the mountain as we heard someone yell out. "You may enter!" Then Brom rode towards the waterfall and went along the outermost part and disappeared. I followed right after him and had to force my steed forward and through it.
As we entered I saw no less than twenty armed guards all with spears leveled towards us. In the center of them stood two bald twins dressed in very garish robes. "Stay where you are or you die."
My eyes hardened as I saw the traitors. Eventually everyone made it into the waterfall except Eragon and Saphira, we wanted to use them as shock value. I couldn't help but want to see their reactions once they saw who they were dealing with.
My thoughts were interrupted by a roar and the waterfall seemingly exploding into sparkling blue scales. Two flaps of her wings and she landed with a thud.
Once again, the looks on the soldiers faces would forever be etched into my memory, especially the Twins.
After Saphira shook herself dry, Arya rode up in front of the procession and the Twins finally noticed her.
"Take us to Ajihad." She demanded leaving no room for debate.
"As soon as the unknowns have their minds searched, your highness." They managed to get out after they picked their jaws up off the floor.
"I will vouch for them, there is no need."
"I must insist." He responded.
"You can insist all you want, take us to Ajihad now!" Arya responded with anger.
That is the first time I have ever seen her raise her voice. I am thoroughly enjoying this.
They turned to each other and conversed to themselves inside their minds for a few moments before finally responding. "Follow us."
A snap and soon we were being led in a single file line with Eragon and Saphira at the head with him riding her. No doubt to inspire hope like in the books.
The tunnel leading us into the city was very long. It was hard to tell the time without the sun but it was at least an hour or two. At the end I could hardly hold in my excitement.
Reaching my mind out to the both of them. Sit up straight Eragon, we are about to be paraded around. The people need to see a confident rider, Saphira… just be yourself.
Neither responded but I could see Eragon fix his posture and take on a regal look, while Saphira preened under the praise.
Soon enough the tunnel opened up to the most impressive thing I have ever seen. A mountain hollowed out and missing its peak greeted me. There was no way to know how big it truly was. Sunlight poured through the massive hole in the mountain and shone onto a flourishing city of pure marble. It was the most beautiful sight my eyes had ever seen.
"Wow." I verbalized my impression.
"Indeed. The dwarves truly are craftsman unlike any other." Faolin answered from behind me as we took in the sight.
All around its base people could be seen running around and going on about their everyday lives.
Another few minutes and we were approaching Tronjheim proper. Word seemed to spread because sure enough by the time we reached the city, the roads were covered in humans and dwarves alike. Everyone had their eyes on Eragon and Saphira at the front of the procession.
The parade continued for a while and the crowds eventually took notice of the ones in the back but the beauty of the elves seemed to distract everyone.
Soon enough it ended and we were led into a chamber that was blocked off by soldiers.
"Dismount! We will have servants take your things to your rooms. No weapons will be allowed inside, leave them on the saddle." The Twins barked out.
I did as I was told but I did not feel right leaving my valuables with the traitors so I walked up to them. "If anything goes missing… let's just say it's better that they don't." I said as I stepped into their personal space and looked them individually in the eyes for about three seconds a piece. "Fucking idiots…" I said as I walked past them and joined my party as we entered the chamber.
There ceiling was probably 15 feet tall and had a low hanging chandelier filled with the dwarven lights from the books, it was quite beautiful actually. Underneath it was a rug made out of some enormous creature, no doubt a native of the beors. Soldiers guarded the entrances.
Off to the side a small set of steps led to a desk with papers scattered all across it, Ajihad stood in front of it with his hands clasped behind his back. His sword lay sheathed and propped up against the desk and slightly tilted his way, no doubt to make it easier to draw should the need arise. My respect for him just rose another notch.
We stood side by side looking up at him. Faolin was the furthermost left and the order went from left to right as follows. Faolin, Arya, Brom, Eragon, Murtagh, Vanir, and I was the furthest right. Saphira crouched behind us, finding it difficult to stretch out in the chamber, somehow Shadowcat found her way onto her back and seemed to be napping.
"What an interesting party. Welcome to Tronjheim, home to the dwarves and, for now, the Varden!" his deep voice boomed and echoed across the chamber. "Arya, Faolin it is good to see you well, we feared the worst until Islanzadi got word to us what happened." he said nodding to both of them. His gaze roamed over the rest of us and soon enough he recognized Brom.
A smile flashed across his face and dimples that hadn't been used in a long time appeared as he walked down the steps and towards us from in front of his desk. "Brom, my old friend, it is good to see you."
"You as well, Ajihad." I expected them to converse a little longer but it was obvious Ajihad wanted to greet the rest of us.
"The rest I do not know. My name is Ajihad, leader of the Varden." He said looking at Eragon.
At his reluctance to introduce himself Brom shoved him forward. He stumbled a bit and no one commented. "I am Eragon, rider of Saphira. We come seeking refuge from the Empire." He said and I grimaced. He didn't realize the implications of that statement.
Ajihad smiled. "And you will have it!" He paused as his eyes roamed to Murtagh and recognition bloomed. "I have seen those eyes before, and that face. Guards!"
At his order, 4 soldiers appeared in front and behind us. Vanir and I reacted immediately, I moved to stand in front of Murtagh and Vanir moved behind him. "Stop!" Brom ordered as he walked towards Ajihad. "He is with us."
"You know who this is? This is the spawn of Morzan! Surely you of all people understand." Ajihad continued.
"He saved one of our own, he's fought with us, bled with us. I'll take responsibility for him!" Brom barked back at him, showing a little anger.
Ajihad and Brom stared at each other for another few moments and neither backed down. Soon Ajihad lifted a hand and the guards retreated back to the entrances. "Fine, if he betrays us it is on your head, against my better judgement."
"And you two? Are you also spawns of the forsworn." He asked still heated.
"I am Vanir, no relation to any of the thirteen." Vanir responded finally leaving Murtagh's back and turning to face the leader of the Varden. He got no response.
Finally I moved back to my position from before and out from in front of our newest party member and introduced myself. "Roran." I decided to keep it simple since technically Morzan and Brom could be considered my uncles, therefore related to a forsworn.
His eyes seemed to linger on mine longer than anyone else's, everyone else seemed to avoid his gaze. Seemingly satisfied he nodded to me and spoke. "You are all welcome to Tronjheim, we will reconvene in the morning, you must be tired from your journey. These men will see you to your rooms." He turned around and walked back to his desk.
Stay. Brom told me as he reached out to my mind. Looking down I felt Shadowcat rubbing against my legs, she was staying for the upcoming conversation also.
Soon everyone left the chamber and we hadn't moved a muscle. My servant was still standing beside me waiting, he stopped trying to get my attention after a few tries anyway.
"We need to talk." Brom said when it was obvious Ajihad still knew we were here and wasn't going to speak first.
"About?" Was his response.
I decided to cut in before Brom could respond. "Traitors."
That seemed to get his attention finally as his head lifted from the papers he was concentrating on and looked at us. He waved us over.
As we walked up I could tell that he wasn't going to send anyone away, so I decided to take the initiative. Reaching for the power inside the emerald around my neck I began to speak. I felt a slight resistance as the spell took, a curse was heard outside and along with the sound of fading footsteps. The Twins were eavesdropping using magic. No doubt they were fleeing after my breaking of the spell.
As I came back to reality I noticed that the soldiers guarding the entrance moved forward and had their weapons drawn while pointing them at me. Maybe I should have asked permission.
Putting my hands up in a non threatening manner I spoke to Ajihad. "Sorry we had some eavesdroppers, I warded us three from being listened in on. Could you please…" I said trying to get him to tell the soldiers to stand down.
He waved his hand in the same manner as before and they once again returned to their post.
"Traitors…" he parroted to me as he waited for me to continue.
"Right. The past few months have been troubling for the Varden haven't they?" At his nod I continued. "Shipments disappearing at sea...important people disappearing...the egg bearers getting ambushed, surely you have suspected traitors."
"Yes, that is why everyone is supposed to having their minds checked before entering this place." He said putting emphasis on 'supposed'. "We haven't found any suspects."
"Well it's quite simple. It's the very people that you have searching minds that are the moles." I told him, tired of beating around the bush. "The Twins are for sure spies, have been for a while now."
He didn't react at first and I could tell he was pondering the information. "What proof do you have?" He asked finally.
"None, but I could get some if you wanted, with your permission of course. In fact, why don't you call for the Twins and another sorcerer you trust. I can take the information from their minds." I said arrogantly.
I was doing this for a few reasons, mainly because I didn't like the traitorous fuckers, it was an opportunity to save Ajihad and Murtagh after the battle, and I would have the opportunity of showcasing my mental and magical prowess after I broke into their minds and left them a quivering mess, thereby showcasing my usefulness to the Varden.
"Very well, however if you are wrong. You will hang." Well I didn't expect that, but I knew I was right.
At my nod he sent for the two and a trusted magician. Soon enough the twins walked in flanked by guards. Another followed after them, she was one of the most beautiful humans he had seen since waking up in this world. Black curly hair spilled from her head to frame her face, high aristocratic cheekbones cut into her skin, she had red supple pouty lips, and finally striking sky blue eyes. Trianna. I thought as I drank in her form.
Shadowcat heard me and sighed. Men, no matter what race, so easy to manipulate. Was all she said.
I decided to ignore her as my attention was drawn to them finally approaching. The three of them bowed their heads to Ajihad.
"Trianna, join us. As for you two, there have been some accusations. These gentlemen claim you traitors, what do you say?" Ajihad spoke getting straight to the point.
"Preposterous, we would never betray the cause." They answered too quickly and everyone knew it.
Ajihad took in a deep breath and exhaled extremely slowly. "Do it." He commanded towards my direction.
I had been preparing myself since they walked in. Shadowcat joined her mind with mine but did not act, she was just to make sure I didn't lose.
As soon as the words were spoken I attacked, the initial assault had no finesse, only pure brute force. Their minds held so I tried a different tactic, testing them. My mind encircled both of theirs and immediately I was met with the image of a single steel wall, a common defense. Suddenly I 'grabbed' onto both of their minds and pulled in different directions, disorienting them, this continued for a good few minutes until I could tell they were lost within each other, that is when I went digging. I sent them images meant to bring up the memories of their dealings and they broke, it was laughably easy. I found the memories and dragged them to the surface.
Holding them in my will I reached out to the unfamiliar mind of Trianna and pulled her in. She saw everything.
I opened my eyes as we withdrew from watching the betrayals.
"It's true." She said. "They were using the tunnels beneath the city to send animals with information to spies. The spies would then funnel the information back to Durza. These two didn't know anything beyond that, they were promised magical knowledge in exchange for the information, they only started a few months ago." Her voice seemed to find strength the longer she explained. She was obviously shaken up by the ordeal.
"Barzul!" Ajihad said as he slammed his hand on the desk.
I took the opportunity to look at the twins, they were kneeling down holding their heads and muttering in incoherent sentences. I didn't realize that something so simple could leave them this broken. This just confirms the state of the Du Vrangr Gata. First things first, correct the name to Du Gata Vrangr.
Ajihad took a few moments to collect himself. "Take them to the dungeons." He ordered.
I decided not to speak, so did everyone else apparently.
"It seems I owe you a debt. Roran, was it?" Ajihad asked.
I shrugged my shoulders. "Consider the debt paid already paid for, you have given us shelter. It was the least I could do."
He didn't respond, instead choosing to stare at me for longer. "Trianna, you are dismissed."
She looked up from the trinket on her arm she was playing with, acknowledged the command with dignity and walked out. We made eye contact for longer than probably appropriate and she left with a grin.
"Brom, are you going to say anything or should I dismiss you and talk to who is obviously the leader of your little band of travelers." He spoke obviously still angry at the events of the day.
The leader? I thought to myself.
"Actually I think that will be all for today don't you Roran. Everything else can wait for tomorrow?" Brom spoke up for the first time.
"One quick question. Has there been any urgal sightings recently?"
A/N:
We are at the Varden, the story is well underway and action is aplenty. Murtagh has joined the party and the plot somehow continues on the same route.
How does everyone think I did with the descriptions of Tronjheim? What about Ajihad's character? I was going for the strong authority figure.
Any comments on Roran's reaction of Trianna?
Review please!